The
2006 Panda coins - the 25th issues in this popular
series -- are now available to collectors who are
assembling date sets, and to gold bullion buyers who
hope for a continuation of the current bear market
in gold. Kitty Quan of Panda America estimates that
the number of gold Pandas of all denominations --
from 1/20 through 1 oz. -- have been produced in all
the years from 1982 through 2005 are about the same
quantity as the number of Gold American Eagles produced
in just their first year of issue - 1986. Ms. Quan
credits the combination of scarcity and popularity
for pushing prices of many past gold Panda issues
well above their bullion value, exemplified by the
over $2,600 currently being asked for the 1982 1 oz.
coins when available.

The tradition
of a different panda design each year is continued
with the Prooflike Brilliant Uncirculated 2006 issues,
that feature two pandas eating their favorite food,
bamboo. Now available from longtime official distributor
Panda America.